The recent tragic train accident in West Bengal’s Siliguri sub-division, claiming nine lives and injuring several others, has once again highlighted concerns about railway safety protocols. The incident, involving the Kanchanjunga Express, saw two rear compartments derail after being struck by a goods train from behind on Monday. Preliminary reports attribute the cause to “human error.”
The focus has now shifted to the indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) System known as “Kavach,” which means “armour” in English. Kavach integrates line-side signals—green, yellow, and red—directly into the driver’s cabin, eliminating the need for the loco pilot to visually check track signals. This system preemptively senses any potential signal violations by the driver and autonomously applies brakes to prevent collisions or mishaps. Communication between the train and ground station occurs via radio frequencies, ensuring real-time updates and coordination.
Key features of Kavach include enhanced visibility during foggy conditions, continuous monitoring of train movement, automatic signaling at level crossings, direct locomotive communication to avert collisions, and an emergency SOS feature.
A crucial component of Kavach is the radio-frequency identification device (RFID) installed along tracks, which transmits location-specific data to passing trains. This enables precise information relay to the station about the train’s proximity to signals and recommended speeds. Kavach triggers alarms in case of discrepancies, automatically applying brakes if the driver fails to respond promptly.
Commenting on the recent accident, Jaya Varma Sinha, CEO of the Railway Board, attributed the incident to the driver overshooting a signal. She emphasized the urgent need to expand the Kavach system across West Bengal for enhanced safety measures.
In a proactive move, Indian Railways has initiated tenders for the installation of Kavach along 10,000 kilometers of railway lines. Presently, the system has been tendered for 6,000 kilometers and deployed across 1,465 route kilometers and 139 locomotives on the South Central Railway.
The incident underscores the critical importance of advanced safety technologies like Kavach in preventing railway accidents and ensuring passenger safety. As investigations continue into the Siliguri accident, stakeholders are advocating for the accelerated adoption and expansion of Kavach to safeguard railway operations nationwide.
